In a heartfelt gesture, Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi visited the family of the late Deputy Comptroller Etop Essien on 10 July 2024, in Abuja. Deputy Comptroller Essien tragically passed away on 25 June 2024 while presenting before the National Assembly Public Accounts Committee, a loss that has deeply affected the Nigeria Customs Service and the broader community.
During his visit, CGC Adeniyi expressed his profound sorrow and offered prayers for the deceased. “We pray that God will strengthen the family during this difficult time and give you the wisdom to understand that only He gives and takes, and we cannot question His will,” he said.
The CGC highlighted Deputy Comptroller Essien’s exceptional dedication to his duties, stating, “He was highly committed to his duties and knew exactly what he was doing. We pray that God will comfort you and stay with you through this time of grief.”
Emphasizing the significant loss, CGC Adeniyi noted that Deputy Comptroller Essien’s memory would continue to inspire his colleagues and those who knew him. As the Nigeria Customs Service mourns his passing, the thoughts and prayers of the entire service are with his family, hoping they find strength and solace amid their grief.
In a show of support, the CGC informed the family that the letter concerning the burial arrangements had been received and assured them that the service would expedite the processing of all benefits due to the late officer. “This commitment underscores the Nigeria Customs Service’s dedication to honouring the service and memory of Deputy Comptroller Essien,” he added.
Mrs. Essien, the widow of the late Deputy Comptroller, expressed her profound gratitude to the CGC for his visit and kind words. She shared how her husband had always held the CGC and the Nigeria Customs Service in high esteem, even until his final moments. “He respected and admired the service greatly,” she said, promising to update the service on the burial arrangements to ensure that Deputy Comptroller Essien receives the honour he deserves.